ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Railways
RPF launches Focused effort under “Operation Satark” from 5th April to 30th April, 2022
RPF detects 26 cases of transportation of illegal tobacco products from 5th April to 30th April, 2022
177 cases of transportation of illicit liquor intercepted with arrest of 97 persons during the same period
Unaccounted cash/gold/silver worth about Rs 2.60 Crores handed over to respective tax authorities
Railway Protection Force is an armed force of the union entrusted with the security of railway property, passenger area and passengers. It is the lead security agency in the field of railway security having a pan India reach.
Indian Railways, being the primary transporter of the nation, is likely to be used by tax evaders, smugglers, gun runners, and forces inimical to the nation to transport illegal items to different parts of the country for acting on their nefarious designs. Railway Protection Force is alive to this and has recently started “Operation Satark” with an objective of taking action against illicit liquor/FICN/illegal tobacco products/unaccounted gold/cash/precious items/ any other items being transported through railway network for the purpose of tax evasion/smuggling/commission of crime/acts of terror.
Focused effort under “Operation Satark” was launched from 5th April to 30th April 2022 wherein 26 cases of transportation of illegal tobacco products were detected with seizure of tobacco products worth more than Rs 44 Lakhs and arrest of 14 persons involved. 177 cases of transportation of illicit liquor were intercepted with arrest of 97 persons and seizure of illicit liquor worth about Rs 18 Lakhs. Unaccounted gold/silver jewellery and unaccounted cash is transported through rail for the purpose of tax evasion. RPF detected 23 such cases of tax evasion and handed over unaccounted cash/gold/silver worth about Rs 2.60 Crores to the respective tax authorities.
Being aware of its responsibility as the first responder in cases of smuggling through rail, RPF took concerted action in such cases and seized smuggled items worth about Rs. 3.18 Crores during the period mentioned above.
Arms, ammunition and explosives are sometimes transported by forces inimical to the nation in order to commit crime or realize nefarious design in different parts of the country. RPF has been conducting intensive checks in stations, trains and railway area under “Operation Satark” to thwart the design of such elements. In course of such an effort across the nation, RPF nabbed 17 persons and recovered one AK 47 rifle, one pipe gun, one Double Barrel Gun, one pistol, 06 country made pistols, 3 daggers, 10 pieces of 12 bore ammunition, 140 pieces of .315” bullet, 404 pieces of 7.62 mm bullets and 9 pieces of different caliber ammunition.
Indian Railways is the life line of the nation and RPF, being the sentinels on the rail, will leave no stone unturned to keep it safe and disallow its use for nefarious activities.
RKJ/M
(Visitor Counter : 3066
Ministry of Finance
Recommendations of GST council related to changes in GST rates on supply of goods and services
The 39th GST Council met under the Chairmanship of Union Finance & Corporate Affairs Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman here today . The meeting was also attended by Union Minister of State for Finance & Corporate Affairs Shri Anurag Thakur besides Finance Ministers of States & UTs and seniors officers of the Ministry of Finance.
GST Council took following decisions relating to changes in GST rates on supply of goods and services.
1. The recommendation of the Fitment Committee for calibrating the GST rate structure to correct the inverted duty structure on various items like Mobile phones, Footwear, Textiles and Fertilizers was placed before the GST Council for discussion. The Council had a detailed discussion on the matter. Upon discussion the Council made the following recommendations:-
- To raise the GST rate on Mobile Phones and specified parts presently attracting 12% to 18%.
- To deliberate the issue of calibrating the rate in other items for removing inversion in future meetings with further consultation and examination of issue.
2. GST rate on all types of matches  has been rationalised to 12% . This would address the classification issues. This issue was deliberated earlier in the 37th meeting and was pending for decision.
3 To reduce GST rate on Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul  services in respect of aircraft from 18% to 5% with full ITC and to change the place of supply for B2B MRO services to the location of recipient. This change is likely to assist in setting up of MRO services in India. Domestic MRO will also get protection due to 5% tax paid under section 3 of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 on most imported goods  as this tax is not available as credit.
Note: It is proposed to issue notifications giving effect to these recommendations of the Council on 01st April, 2020.
[This note presents the decision of the GST Council in simple language for easy understanding which would be given effect to through Gazette notifications/ circulars which shall have force of law.]
RM/KMN
(
Ministry of Cooperation
Registered and operational multi state cooperative societies
The State-wise list of Multi-State Cooperative Societies registered as on 30th June, 2022 is given below, out of which eighty-one societies are under liquidation.
|
|
S. No.
|
|
State/UT Name
|
|
Societies Registered
|
|
Societies Under Liquidation
|
|
1.
|
|
ANDHRA PRADESH
|
|
22
|
|
4
|
|
2.
|
|
ARUNACHAL PRADESH
|
|
1
|
|
-
|
|
3.
|
|
ASSAM
|
|
6
|
|
-
|
|
4.
|
|
BIHAR
|
|
19
|
|
-
|
|
5.
|
|
CHANDIGARH
|
|
1
|
|
1
|
|
6.
|
|
CHHATTISGARH
|
|
8
|
|
-
|
|
7.
|
|
DADRA AND NAGAR HAVELI
|
|
1
|
|
-
|
|
8.
|
|
GOA
|
|
1
|
|
1
|
|
9.
|
|
GUJARAT
|
|
42
|
|
4
|
|
10.
|
|
HARAYANA
|
|
17
|
|
-
|
|
11.
|
|
HIMACHAL PRADESH
|
|
1
|
|
-
|
|
12.
|
|
JAMMU AND KASHMIR
|
|
2
|
|
-
|
|
13.
|
|
JHARKHAND
|
|
8
|
|
1
|
|
14.
|
|
KARNATAKA
|
|
29
|
|
-
|
|
15.
|
|
KERALA
|
|
25
|
|
-
|
|
16.
|
|
MADHYA PRADESH
|
|
29
|
|
-
|
|
17.
|
|
MAHARASHTRA
|
|
655
|
|
15
|
|
18.
|
|
MANIPUR
|
|
3
|
|
-
|
|
19.
|
|
NAGALAND
|
|
1
|
|
-
|
|
20
|
|
NEW DELHI
|
|
159
|
|
10
|
|
21.
|
|
ODISHA
|
|
19
|
|
11
|
|
22.
|
|
PONDICHERRY
|
|
5
|
|
-
|
|
23.
|
|
PUNJAB
|
|
23
|
|
1
|
|
24.
|
|
RAJASTHAN
|
|
72
|
|
15
|
|
25.
|
|
SIKKIM
|
|
1
|
|
-
|
|
26.
|
|
TAMIL NADU
|
|
123
|
|
4
|
|
27.
|
|
TELANGANA
|
|
8
|
|
-
|
|
28.
|
|
UTTAR PRADESH
|
|
154
|
|
9
|
|
29.
|
|
UTTARAKHAND
|
|
4
|
|
-
|
|
30.
|
|
WEST BENGAL
|
|
69
|
|
5
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
1508
|
|
81
As per the provisions of the Multi State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002 and rules made thereunder, every multi-State cooperative society shall have one principal place of business which shall be the registered office of the society. The registered address of a society can be anywhere in the country as specified in its bye-laws.
This was stated by the Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Law and Justice
1023 Fast Track Special Courts will be set up for Speedy disposal of Rape and POCSO Act Cases
These are under National Mission for Safety of Women
Incidents of rape and gang rape of minor girls below age of twelve years and similar heinous crimes against women have shaken the conscience of the entire nation. Therefore, the offences of rape and gang rape of women and children require effective deterrence through fast and time bound completion of trial relating to sexual offences. To bring out more stringent provisions and expeditious trial and disposal of such cases, Union of India enacted the Criminal Law  Act, 2018.
The has taken up work of setting up of Fast Track Special Courts  as a part of National Mission for Safety of Women . Accordingly, the Central Government has started a Scheme for setting up of 1023 FTSCs across the country based on pendency of subject cases obtained from various High Courts  for time bound trial and disposal of pending cases related to rape and POCSO Act. Further, in pursuance to the direction of Supreme Court of India in Suo Moto Writ Petition  No.01/2019 dated 25.07.2019, out of 1023 FTSCs, 389 Courts have been proposed to be set up exclusively for POCSO Act related cases in Districts where pendency of such cases is more than 100. The Scheme was circulated to all concerned State Governments/ Union Territories Administrations in September, 2019. Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Union Minister of Law and Justice has written and appealed to all the Chief Ministers of States for opening these courts and for effective implementation of the Scheme which will act as strong deterrence against such crimes.
Out of total 31 States and UTs, so far, 24 have joined this scheme  for setting up of 792 numbers of FTSCs/ including 354 exclusive POCSO courts. Efforts are constantly being made to obtain consent/willingness of remaining States/UTs.
The Department of Justice in the Government of India is constantly endeavoring to extend requisite assistance to the High Courts and State Governments in setting up of these Courts for prompt trial and disposal of cases to ensure safe and worth living environment especially to women and children in totality. 216 numbers of POCSO courts have already been operationalized in 12 States under the scheme.
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Department of Fertilizers constituted a Working Group for Chintan Shivir for Direct Benefit Transfer to farmers
An additional amount of Rs 14,775 Cr has been announced as subsidy for DAP & NPK fertilisers under NBS scheme upto 31.10.2021 for the year 2021-22 over and above the amount budgeted for the year for fertilizer subsidy
The Department of Fertilizers constituted a Working Group for Chintan Shivir for Direct Benefit Transfer to farmers  under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers. The Working Group-V was tasked to examine the feasibility of introducing a direct fertilizer subsidy transfer to farmers, suggest methods to safeguard against huge price rise and Unavailability of fertilizers, criteria of selection of farmers and their entitlement, criteria for determining the amount of subsidy to be transferred to farmers’ accounts, periodicity of subsidy transfer, any method to safeguard against negative effect on fertilizer industry and actual mechanism of fund transfer. Vide notification dated 04.05.2020, Department of Fertilizers has constituted Working Group for Chintan Shivir for Direct Benefit Transfer to farmer  under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers.
An additional amount of Rs 14,775 Cr has been announced as subsidy for DAP & NPK fertilisers under NBS scheme upto 31.10.2021 for the year 2021-22 over and above the amount budgeted for the year for fertilizer subsidy.
This information was given by the Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
India’s fight against COVID-19 receives a strong impetus as vaccination numbers cross the 50 crore mark: PM
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has said as vaccination number has crossed 50 crore mark, India hopes to build on these numbers and ensure our citizens are vaccinated under 'vaccine for all- free for all movement'.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said :
"India’s fight against COVID-19 receives a strong impetus. Vaccination numbers cross the 50 crore mark. We hope to build on these numbers and ensure our citizens are vaccinated under #SabkoVaccineMuftVaccine movement."
Ministry of Jal Shakti
'Buldhana Pattern' for Water Conservation
NITI Aayog has prepared draft guidelines for convergence of the activities of  sourcing earth for improvement/construction of national highways, state roads and railways and  water conservation works through desiltation/ deepening of water bodies. This two-fold activity has already been successfully implemented as a pilot project in the Buldhana district of Maharashtra state.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India has also issued a letter to all States/UTs and project/construction agencies in 2017 conveying that contractors/construction agencies responsible for construction of National Highways should excavate the earth as per their project requirements from such identified water bodies/areas at no cost to the village panchayats/ rural development departments/water conservation departments and transport the same to their project sites. Similarly, the panchayats/water conservation departments of the states should not charge any amount from the agencies for the earth so excavated. Through this arrangement, gram panchayats/farmers will gain by having a pond/water body dug in their land at no cost which will help in restoration of such water bodies while the construction agency would get the material for embankments for its road building and road expansion projects free of cost.
The National Perspective Plan  was prepared by the then Ministry of Irrigation  in August 1980 for water resources development through inter basin transfer of water for transferring water from water surplus basins to water-deficit basins. Under the NPP, the National Water Development Agency  has identified 30 links  for preparation of Feasibility Reports . The Government has also taken up the inter-linking of rivers  program in a consultative manner for relief to the people suffering from floods and droughts.
This Information was given by the Minister of State for Jal Shakti & Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri. Rattan Lal Kataria Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Defence
Border Roads Organisation opens strategic Zoji La Pass after a closure of only 68 days
Connectivity to Ladakh & Gurez Valley restored
Border Roads Organisation  opened strategic Zojila Pass on the Greater Himalayan Range on 16 March 2023. The pass at 11,650 feet which acts as a gateway between Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir was kept open for traffic till January 06, 2023 through relentless snow clearance operations amidst tough weather conditions, ensuring that the Pass remained closed for only 68 days this year as compared to 73 days last year and 160-180 days in the yesteryears.
Since the first week of February, 2023, the snow clearance operations were undertaken from both sides of the pass by Project Beacon and Vijayak, located in J&K and Ladakh respectively. After sustained efforts, the connectivity across Zoji La Pass was initially established on March 11, 2023. Thereafter, efforts were made to improve the road conditions to create safe passage of vehicles.
Likewise, Razdan Pass which provides the only road connectivity between the Gurez Sector and the Kashmir Valley has also been successfully reopened on 16 Mar 2023 after a gap of just 58 days. Other important passes at Sadhna, Pharkiyan Gali and Zamindar Gali have been kept open throughout the winter season.
Speaking on the occasion, Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhry, VSM, DGBR commended the Karamyogis of Project Beacon and Project Vijayak in achieving this feat.
Lt Gen Chaudhary said, “Early opening of the Zojila and Razdan Passes will facilitate augmentation of supply of essential goods and services for people of Ladakh and Gurez Valley.”
The DGBR further said that the trial movement of vehicles has been conducted successfully today and the decision to open the road for civil traffic will be taken by the Civil Administration after the conduct of joint inspection.
ABB/Anand
(Visitor Counter : 1946
Ministry of Home Affairs
Government committed to identify, isolate and quarantine COVID-19 positive Tabligh Jamaat  workers in India post their congregation in Nizamuddin, Delhi
MHA shared details of TJ workers in India with all States on March 21, 2020 after COVID-19 positive cases surfaced in Telangana
So far, 1339 Tabligh Jamaat workers have been shifted to Narela, Sultanpuri and Bakkarwala quarantine facilities as well as to hospitals
State Police to examine visas of all these foreign TJ workers and take further action in case of violation of visa conditions
Union Ministry of Home Affairs  shared details of foreign and Indian Tabhlig Jamaat  workers in India with all States on March 21, 2020, after COVID-19 positive cases among these workers surfaced in Telangana.
The swift action was taken with a view to identify, isolate and quarantine TJ workers who might be COVID-19 positive. Instructions were also issued by MHA to Chief Secretaries and DGsP of all States as well as CP, Delhi. The advisories were reiterated by the DIB to all State DGsP on March 28 and 29.
Meanwhile, TJ workers staying in the Markaz in Nizamuddin, Delhi, were also persuaded for medical screening by State authorities and Police. By March 29, nearly 162 TJ workers were medically screened and shifted to quarantine facilities. So far, 1339 Tabligh Jamaat workers have been shifted to Narela, Sultanpuri and Bakkarwala quarantine facilities as well as to LNJP, RGSS, GTB, DDU Hospitals and AllMS, Jhajjar. Rest of them are being currently medically screened for COVID-19 infections.
Usually, all the foreign nationals visiting India as a part of Tabligh team come on the strength of tourist visa. MHA had already issued guidelines that they should not indulge in missionary work on tourist visa. State Police would be examining categories of visas of all these foreign TJ workers and take further action in case of violation of visa conditions.
BACKGROUND
Tabligh Jamaat Headquarter  is located in Nizamuddin, Delhi. Devout Muslims from across the country and also from foreign countries visit the Markaz for religious purpose. Some also move out in groups to different parts of the country for Tabligh activities. This is a continuous process throughout the year.
On March 21 , approximately 824 foreign Tabligh Jamaat workers were in different parts of the country for missionary work. Besides, around 216 foreign national were staying in the Markaz. In addition, over 1500 Indian TJ workers were also staying in the Markaz while around 2100 Indian TJ workers were touring different parts of the country for missionary work. Since March 23, lockdown has been strictly imposed by State authorities/PoIice across Delhi including in and around Nizamuddin and Tabligh work came to a halt.
Click here to see document on Tabligh Activities in India
Ministry of Defence
BEL Launches Atmospheric Water Generator safe Drinking Water, Straight From the Air
Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Ltd  has unveiled its new product, the Atmospheric Water Generator , an innovative solution to meet the ever-increasing need for drinking water worldwide, today at Aero India 2019.
Chief of the Army Staff General Bipin Rawat, inaugurated the AWG in the presence of, Chairman and Managing Director BEL Shri MV Gowtama, Directors and other senior officers of BEL.
BEL's Atmospheric Water Generator can be used to generate water straight from the humidity present in the atmosphere. The day is not far when drinking water becomes the most precious commodity on the planet. Groundwater, currently the main source of drinking water, is being depleted at alarming and unsustainable rates even as the search for alternate water sources continues.
BEL's Atmospheric Water Generator employs a novel technology to extract water from the humidity present in the atmosphere and purify it. It uses heat exchange for condensing the atmospheric moisture to produce pure, safe and clean potable water. The AWG comes with a Mineralisation Unit, which is used to add minerals which are required to make the water potable. The AWG is configurable in static and mobile  versions and is available in 30 litres/day, 100 litres/day, 500 litres/day and 1,000 litres/day capacities.
The Atmospheric Water Generator can be used to provide drinking water in community centres and public places like health care centres, schools, colleges, offices, railway stations, bus stands, airports, sea ports, off-shore oil rigs, military establishments, remote field areas and remote establishments and residential complexes.
The Atmospheric Water Generator is being manufactured by BEL in collaboration with CSIR-IICT and MAITHRI, a start-up company based in Hyderabad. It is on display at the BEL stall at Hall-E at Aero India 2019. BEL has, as part of the Government of India's Start-up India Initiative, extending its support to start-up Companies.
Nampi/Rajib
(Visitor Counter : 2032
Ministry of Women and Child Development
CARA organises 200 special Social media campaigns, 10 State Orientation Programmes, and Interactive meets with more than 700 Prospective Adoptive Parents and Adoptive Parents
Celebrates ‘Adoption Awareness Month' in November, 2022
As part of the ‘Adoption Awareness Month' , Central Adoption Resource Authority  organised 10 State orientation programmes, ran 200 special social media campaigns, held interactive meets with more than 700 Prospective Adoptive Parents and Adoptive Parents in November ,2022. The key features of the new Adoption Regulations, 2022 notified by the Central Government on September 23, 2022 were also shared with them. CARA engaged with the adoption community by offering in-depth knowledge and resources for families.
Adoption Awareness Month was celebrated in the States of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Daman & Diu, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
Adoption Awareness Month is about spreading adoption awareness amongst the stakeholders and the waiting families desiring to adopt. Through the adoption process, CARA is dedicated to ensuring the long-term rehabilitation of children.
Following the notification of the Adoption Regulations, 2022, CARA is reviewing all adoption cases, long pending in the courts and ensuring that they are quickly transferred to the office of the District Magistrate and concluded by issuance of Adoption Order by the District Magistrate within two months. New Regulations also stipulate children to be placed in their own socio-cultural environment so that both the child and the family quickly adjust with each other. Children with mental and physical disabilities are now being identified and cared for by the CMO in every district. Revamped Child Adoption Resource Information & Guidance System  has introduced new online modules for online registration of inter-country adoption cases under Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act , modules for the District Magistrate to issue online Adoption Orders and for CMO to certify disabilities.
Central Adoption Resource Authority  is a statutory body of the Ministry of Women and Child Development under the provisions of the Juvenile Justice  Act, 2015, mandated to undertake the promotion of in-country adoptions and to facilitate inter-state adoptions in accordance with the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in respect of inter-country adoption.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Union Minister of State General  V. K. Singh inaugurates Sports Festival in Pune
The Push Up Festival, which reinforces Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a strong India in the 21st century, began today at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi, Pune. Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Civil Aviation V. K. Singh inaugurated the sports festival. More than 600 contestants from Pune participated in it. This initiative has been organized across the country by Late Rajendra Somani Initiative in Mumbai.
Speaking on this occasion, Singh said that the participation of young people will be very valuable in building a new modern India. He said that activities like Push Up Mahotsav will help us to make ourselves as well as others in the society and in turn the country healthy and strong. On this occasion, Singh expressed the belief that good thoughts can be created only in a healthy body and it will help to create a powerful country.
Today's inaugural program in Pune was attended by Olympic medal winners as well as various sports award winners. It included Muralikant Petkar, Srirang Inamdar, Shakuntala Devi, Gopal Devang, Manoj Pingle etc. Adarsh Somani, the main organizer of this competition welcomed and introduced the participants.
This festival will be conducted at the country level for the next 4 days from today and a total of 17 thousand contestants will participate in it. Prizes worth around 1 crore 15 lakh rupees will be awarded to the winners of the competition.